House Calls Magazine, a publication by Alachua County Medical Society,

features articles by SIMEDHealth Neurologists Drs. Vongxaiburana and Yancey; 

An overview of multiple sclerosis by Dr. Vongxaiburana, and Update on Parkinson's disease by Dr. Yancey.

Scroll down to keep reading.

 

Alzheimer's disease disturbs cognitive abilities and makes simple tasks difficult.

 

We interviewed SIMEDHealth Neurologist, Dr. Justin Yancey, to get the facts about Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease affecting behavior, thinking, and memory[1]. 

 

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What are the main indicators for someone who might be developing Alzheimer’s disease?

• Forgetting important dates and appointments
• Repeating stories
• Asking the same questions
• Relying on memory aids, like writing things down on sticky notes
• Common tasks become difficult, like remembering what to get from the grocery store
• Getting lost while driving the same route
• Misplacing items like keys
• Difficulty word-finding during conversations

 

Can someone be prone to Alzheimer’s based on genetics, environment or lifestyle?

“Yes, although complex, it’s usually a combination of all three” said Dr. Yancey. “The biggest factor is age, the risk doubles every five years after the age of sixty-five. There is a small increased risk for those who’ve had family members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. However, there are some risk factors you can manage to lower your risk, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, previous strokes, and history of head injuries. “

Are there ways to prevent Alzheimer’s?

”Living a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as maintaining a social life and interacting with friends and family.” “Control your risk factors,” Dr. Yancey continued, “eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and avoid heavy alcohol use. Some studies have shown the Mediterranean diet might be helpful.  This is a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.”

If one develops Alzheimer’s, what can they do?

“There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are ways to help someone suffering from the disease” Dr. Yancey reported “Some helpful things include reviewing finances, legal issues, driving, daily care, bathing, dressing, future planning and looking into long term care options. As the disease progresses, patients will begin wondering and leaving their home, so looking out for their safety can also help.”

If you or loved ones notice new changes in memory, speak to your primary care doctor or see a neurologist. You’re not alone, there’s testing and medications that can help.

 

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States. Back in March for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, we talked to SIMEDHealth Neurologist, Justin Yancey, MD and he answered some of our questions about MS. MS Awareness Month aims to bring attention to MS research and bring awareness for people living with the condition.

1. What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Dr. Yancey says, “It is a neurological disease where the immune system attacks the protective coating around nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. When these nerve coatings get damaged, the messages dictated by the central nervous system are altered or stopped entirely.”

2. What are its symptoms?

“Symptoms of MS may include sensory changes in limbs, vision loss, double vision, weakness, vertigo, walking/balance problems, and bladder dysfunction. These symptoms can be highly variable among different individuals with MS.,” says Dr. Yancey.

3. Can you explain what relapsing-remitting MS is? Is this something all people with MS have?

“Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by clearly defined MS attacks (also known as relapses) with full or incomplete recovery (also known as remissions). There is generally minimal progression in symptoms during the periods between relapses. Symptoms during attacks usually peak in days to weeks and are followed by a remission period. Relapsing-remitting is the most common form of MS and accounts for about 80-90% of cases at the onset.” says Dr. Yancey. Most people with Relapsing-Remitting MS are diagnosed in their early 20’s and 30’s.

4. What causes MS?

“The exact cause of MS is unknown,” says Dr. Yancey. “The most widely accepted theory is that MS begins as an inflammatory, autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerve’s coating.”

5. What does the treatment options look like?

Dr. Yancey explains, “An acute MS attack is typically treated with steroids. Medications are also used to help prevent attacks. There are several different options, including injections, infusions, and oral medications. No cure is available for MS, but these medications help reduce relapse rates and reduce disability progression.”

 

If you have questions about MS, click here to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified neurologists at SIMEDHealth.

Half of the people aged 85 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. September is World Alzheimer's Month, and Saturday, September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day. We talked to Gainesville located neurologist, Dr. Justin Yancey about this neurological condition and what some early warning signs look like. 

What is Alzheimer's?

Dr. Yancey says, "Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior." Symptoms typically develop slowly, get worse over time, and eventually become severe enough that it interferes with daily functioning. He also adds, "The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is expected to rise over the coming years. Extensive research is currently ongoing, looking at earlier diagnosis, new therapies, and prevention. Patients with suspected Alzheimer's or other dementias should go to a neurologist for additional care."

What are the early warning signs of this disease?

Some possible early signs of Alzheimer's include difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion, memory loss that disrupts daily life, and trouble finding the right words. Dr. Yancey states, "It is essential to know that not all of these may show in a person with Alzheimer's. As well as having some of these does not mean that person will develop Alzheimer's disease."

Is there something that triggers it?

Many factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. "It is likely a complex mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors," explains Dr. Yancey. Increasing age is the most important known risk factor, and the disease doubles every five years beyond the age of 65. Some possible modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

It is common knowledge that there is no cure, but there are treatments for symptoms. What are those treatments?

There are two types of medications prescribed for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Yancey describes, "They aim to help reduce memory loss modestly over time. Other medications can be used symptomatically to help with mood and behavioral issues."

What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?

Dr. Yancey answers, "Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and communication abilities. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia affecting about 5.8 million Americans and about 60-80% of dementia cases."

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yancey!

An estimated 2.8 million people suffer from brain injuries annually, and 282,000 of those injuries need hospitalization. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month so we sat down and talked with our newest neurologist, Dr. Justin Yancey about how brain injuries occur, the different types of brain injuries, and what steps are taken to fully recover.

What sort of injuries could be classified as a brain injury?

Dr. Yancey says “Anything that causes injury to healthy brain tissue.” For example, concussions are the most commonly known brain injuries, but lack of oxygen, strokes, and tumors can also be categorized as a brain injury.

What is the difference between a traumatic brain injury and a non-traumatic brain injury?

Non-traumatic brain injuries are not related to a blow to the head but rather an illness or condition within the brain/body. So, while strokes and tumors are brain injuries, they would be non-traumatic. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by falls, sports-related hits, gunshot wounds, or explosions as just a couple of examples. TBI’s come from an active hit or injury to the head that is outside of the body.

What is the process you go about to diagnose a brain injury?

To properly diagnose a brain injury there needs to be a medical evaluation by a neurologist. The neurologist will also need to know the patient’s history and will perform a detailed neurological exam. This exam is crucial to determining how big of an effect this brain injury will have on the patient.

After diagnosis, what are treatment plans?

Dr. Yancey says that the treatment plans are dependent on how severe the injury is. If the injury is very severe, it may require surgery if there is brain swelling or blood in the brain and a long term stays in the hospital. If the damage is mild, the patient can just be observed at home. Though patients and their caregivers will be briefed to look for headaches, confusion, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, or an inability to awaken when the patient is taken home.

Also for mild concussions, Dr. Yancey recommends a rest period after, at least 24 hours but possibly longer for some cases. It is important to avoid strenuous mental and physical activity plus the activity that caused the injury as to not make it worse.

Is it possible for someone with a head injury to recover completely?

The good news is Dr. Yancey says it is possible for patients with mild concussions to recover fully, and they typically do. A more severe TBI does, on the other hand, make take longer and be a more complex problem. He also says to try not to get more than head injury because that can cause more permanent effects.

What else do you treat at SIMEDHealth Neurology?

• Seizures
• Memory Loss
• Headaches
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Strokes
• MS

If you have more questions about head injuries, and treatment click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yancey today!

Dr. Justin Yancey joined the SIMEDHealth family on July 30, 2018. He recently sat down and gave us some more details about himself. This includes his passion for helping others recover from their neurological conditions ever since his grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Check out the video below to learn more:

After growing up in Alabama, Dr. Yancey received his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Alabama. Then he received his doctorate of medicine from the University of Alabama’s School of Medicine. He was most recently in North Central Florida after completing his residency in Neurology at the University of Florida. While here, he served as Chief Resident. Shortly afterward, he achieved his fellowship in movement disorders from Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia.

In the midst of completing his doctoral training, Dr. Yancey has been involved in numerous volunteer activities including the Special Olympics, university mentorships and the American Red Cross Tornado Relief among others. In his free time, Dr. Yancey enjoys getting out on the water and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Yancey is able to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological conditions. These conditions include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, tremors, headaches, seizures, and multiple sclerosis. He is available to see patients in ours. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Yancey, please call SIMEDHealth Neurology at (352) 374-2222 or Click here to request an appointment.

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